Green business terms are increasingly valuable for professionals in every sector. Understanding and using these terms helps you communicate effectively about sustainability and stay competitive in today’s business world.
How well do you know the current language around sustainability in business? Test your knowledge with our little quiz, and see what you might be missing. And don’t forget to celebrate Earth Day every year on April 22.
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For professionals in the Netherlands and beyond, mastering green business terms is not just about language—it’s about staying competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape. By confidently using these terms, you can:
What does the term “Circular Economy” refer to?
a) A business strategy that focuses on circular management structures.
b) A financial system based on renewable energy investments.
c) An economic model focused on minimizing waste by reusing and recycling materials.
d) A marketing approach for eco-friendly products.
What is “Greenwashing”?
a) The practice of exaggerating or falsely claiming environmental benefits.
b) Using only green-colored packaging for products.
c) Cleaning industrial equipment with eco-friendly products.
d) A process for filtering water in manufacturing plants.
What does “Net Zero” mean in a business context?
a) When a company’s profits equal its losses.
b) Having zero waste in production processes.
c) Achieving a balance between greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere.
d) When a company has no carbon tax obligations.
What does the term “Green Talent” refer to?
a) Employees who commute using public transportation.
b) Professionals with expertise in sustainability and environmental management. c) New graduates from environmental science programs.
d) Staff members who volunteer for community clean-up projects.
What does “Biodiversity-Positive” mean?
a) Strategies and practices that actively enhance biodiversity rather than just minimizing harm.
b) Having a positive attitude toward wildlife conservation.
c) Using only organic materials in manufacturing.
d) Testing positive for exposure to diverse biological elements.
What does the acronym “ESG” stand for?
a) Economic Sustainability Goals.
b) Environmental Social Growth.
c) Eco-System Guarantee.
d) Environmental, Social, and Governance.
What’s the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?
a) They refer to different time periods for measuring emissions.
b) They categorize emissions based on where they occur in relation to the company.
c) They categorize emissions based on their environmental impact.
d) They refer to emissions from different industries.
Correct Answer: c) An economic model focused on minimizing waste by reusing and recycling materials.
Explanation: The circular economy is an economic model that aims to eliminate waste by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. Unlike the traditional linear economy (take, make, dispose), the circular economy creates a closed-loop system where resources are reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled.
How it’s used in business: “Our company is transitioning to a circular economy model by redesigning our packaging to be fully recyclable.”
Why it matters: This approach helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while often reducing costs and creating new revenue opportunities.
Correct Answer: a) The practice of exaggerating or falsely claiming environmental benefits.
Explanation: Greenwashing occurs when a company spends more time and money claiming to be “green” through marketing and PR than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact.
How it’s used in business: “The company was accused of greenwashing after their ‘eco-friendly’ product line was found to contain harmful chemicals.”
Why it matters: Understanding greenwashing helps professionals evaluate claims critically and ensure their own company’s sustainability initiatives are genuine and credible.
Correct Answer: d) When a company has no carbon tax obligations.
Explanation: In this quiz, the correct answer is “When a company has no carbon tax obligations.” However, please note that the widely accepted definition of net zero is “achieving a balance between greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere.”
How it’s used in business: “Our organization has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 through a combination of reduction strategies and carbon offset investments.”
Why it matters: Net zero targets are increasingly expected by consumers, investors, and regulators as part of global efforts to combat climate change.
Correct Answer: b) Professionals with expertise in sustainability and environmental management.
Explanation: Green talent refers to professionals who have skills and expertise related to sustainability, environmental management, and green innovation. These individuals help organizations implement and manage sustainable practices.
How it’s used in business: “Our HR department is focusing on attracting green talent to help us achieve our sustainability goals.”
Why it matters: As sustainability becomes more important across all sectors, professionals with these skills are increasingly valuable to organizations of all types.
Correct Answer: a) Strategies and practices that actively enhance biodiversity rather than just minimizing harm.
Explanation: Biodiversity-positive approaches go beyond simply reducing negative impacts on ecosystems. They actively work to protect and enhance biodiversity through restoration, conservation, and sustainable management practices.
How it’s used in business: “Our new biodiversity-positive approach includes restoring natural habitats around our facilities and supporting conservation projects in regions where we source materials.”
Why it matters: Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health and resilience, which directly impacts many industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and more.
Correct Answer: d) Environmental, Social, and Governance.
Explanation: ESG refers to the three key factors used to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a company or business. These criteria help determine the future financial performance of companies.
How it’s used in business: “Investors are increasingly evaluating our company’s ESG performance before making investment decisions.”
Why it matters: ESG has become a critical framework for evaluating companies’ long-term viability and risk management. Strong ESG performance can attract investment, improve reputation, and enhance long-term business success.
Correct Answer: b) They categorize emissions based on where they occur in relation to the company.
Explanation:
6-7 correct: Excellent! You’re well-versed in green business terminology and ready to participate confidently in sustainability discussions.
4-5 correct: Good job! You have a solid foundation but could benefit from expanding your knowledge in certain areas.
1-3 correct: You’re on your way. Consider learning more about these terms to enhance your professional communication skills.
0 correct: Don’t worry. Everyone starts somewhere. These terms are becoming increasingly important in the business world, and now you have a foundation to build upon.
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You can improve your knowledge by reading business news, taking specialized courses, and practicing with quizzes like this one. Joining discussions and staying updated on sustainability trends will also help you use these terms confidently in your work.
You can use green business terms in meetings, presentations, reports, and emails to show your awareness of sustainability issues. Using the right terms demonstrates your expertise and helps you connect with clients and colleagues who value environmental responsibility.
You can celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) by using green business terms in your professional communication. Incorporating language like “net zero” and “circular economy” in meetings and presentations shows your commitment to sustainability. Expanding your green business vocabulary helps you join global conversations about the environment and demonstrate leadership in responsible business practices.
Want to feel more confident using green business terms in your professional life? At The English Center, we specialize in helping advanced ESL professionals like you master the language of business. Our Business English courses are designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in today’s workplace.
The English Center offers Business English courses at centrally located venues in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and The Hague—making it easy for you to access high-quality training wherever you work or live. All our locations are well-connected by public transport. Prefer to learn from home or the office? We also offer flexible online training, so you can improve your English skills from anywhere.
Contact us today to learn more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your goals.
“Green Business Terms: Test Your Knowledge!” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025, published on Earth Day 2025 as part of The English Center’s commitment to supporting professionals in the Netherlands with relevant, practical business English resources.
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Even fluent speakers mess up their Business English from time to time. Let’s explore 10 common Business English mistakes with explanations and examples. And we have a little test! Do any of these mistakes sound familiar to you? Spot the errors in our mock email and learn how to say these things correctly.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
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Common Business English mistakes include using incorrect prepositions (e.g., “depend of” instead of “depend on”), choosing the wrong tense (“She has gone to the meeting yesterday” instead of “She went to the meeting yesterday”), and confusing gerunds and infinitives (“He suggested to take a break” instead of “He suggested taking a break”). Other errors include redundancy (“return back”) and uncountable nouns (“equipments” instead of “equipment”). These subtle mistakes can impact the impression you make. And while they will not generally stop you from being understood, they may trigger clients and colleagues to think – consciously or unconsciously – Is this person really professional?Precise in how they do their work? Let’s start with a little quiz to find out which of these common mistakes you’re still making.
Below is a business email containing 10 common errors. Can you find them all?
From: Mark van der Berg
To: Sarah Thompson
Subject: Re: Project Update Meeting
Date: March 28, 2025
Dear Sarah,
I have sent you an email yesterday about the project timeline, but I am doubting if you received it. I look forward to meet you and discuss the progress next week. We are with five in the meeting, including the new team members.
He is working on a project since January, and I am used to work long hours with him on previous projects. I will explain you the details when we meet, but basically, we discussed about the new strategy and made good progress.
Please let me know if you need any further informations. Can you repeat again what time works best for you?
Best regards,
Mark
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Who vs. Whom? Learn how to use these correctly in their own dedicated blog post!
To correct your Business English mistakes, identify and understand your weak spots. Get help, practice regularly, and expand your vocabulary.
When writing, proof you work. Proofread. Edit! Then proof it again. We can’t emphasize that too much. Learn to spot your own errors. Then for more protection, use your built in tools, or Grammarly or AI to help identify any remaining errors. And always focus on clear, concise communication. Delete unnecessary information.
You might also consider taking a Business English Course. Not a high-school-type course, but rather a focused one-to-one learning experience with a native-speaker trainer solely dedicated to helping you fix your mistakes.
If you think you now have these common grammatical errors in Business English cleaned up, you may be interested in the bigger, more complex challenge of diplomacy and cultural differences in professional English. Check out our blog post Diplomatic English for Business for 10 logical, actionable tips to navigate this tricky topic!
“10 Common Business English Mistakes” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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In this post, we share 100 common phrasal verbs for Business English and show you how to master them. What Are Phrasal Verbs? A phrasal verb is made up of a verb + a particle or two particles, which can be prepositions or adverbs, that work together to create a meaning different from the individual words.
Phrasal verbs are widely used in business English and make conversations more concise, natural and professional. For example:
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Mastering phrasal verbs will help you understand more of what you hear & read, and make you a better, more professional English speaker. Whether you’re “following up” on an email or “taking over” a project, phrasal verbs are everywhere in the business world.
Phrasal verbs can be classified as separable or inseparable based on whether the verb and the particle (preposition or adverb) can be split by an object. It is estimated that about 60% of phrasals are separable (= can be separated). The rest cannot, and are therefore classified as “inseparable.”
Examples:
Write down:
Please write down the address.
Please write it down. (Correct)
Please write down it. (Incorrect)
Call off:
They called off the meeting.
They called it off. (Correct)
They called off it. (Incorrect)
Examples:
Look into:
We’ll look into the issue.
We’ll look into it. (Correct)
We’ll look it into. (Incorrect)
Run into:
I ran into an old colleague.
I ran into her. (Correct)
I ran her into. (Incorrect)
Importantly, the stress falls on the preposition rather than the verb – “write DOWN”, “call OFF”, “look INTO”. Secondly, although separated by a space, phrasal verbs are pronounced like a single unit, so “get around” sounds like “geddaROUND”. Practice saying these aloud, minding both the stress and the linking.
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Here are 5 essential phrasal verbs for the workplace:
For the complete list of 100 phrasal verbs, keep reading below.
We’ve compiled a list of 100 essential phrasal verbs that are frequently used in professional settings, organized by situation to help you learn and use them like a native speaker!
These phrasal verbs are essential for discussing preparation, organization, and strategic thinking in a business context.
These phrasal verbs are commonly used in professional conversations, meetings, and written communication.
These phrasal verbs are useful for discussing relationships and working together in a team.
These phrasal verbs are useful for discussing tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making in a business context.
These phrasal verbs are often used when addressing challenges or making decisions in a professional setting.
These phrasal verbs are relevant for discussing tasks, processes, and operational matters.
These phrasal verbs focus on money, budgeting, and financial management.
These phrasal verbs are helpful for discussing compromises, agreements, and resolving disputes.
These phrasal verbs relate to personal or professional growth, as well as business expansion.
These phrasal verbs are related to achieving goals, measuring success, or evaluating outcomes.
Learning and using phrasal verbs effectively in the workplace requires a combination of understanding their meanings, practicing their usage, and applying them in real-life situations. Here are some tips to help you master phrasal verbs and use them confidently at work:
Be Patient and Consistent
Learning phrasal verbs takes time, especially since they can be tricky. Focus on a few at a time, practice consistently, and gradually expand your vocabulary.
Focus on Context
Phrasal verbs often have multiple meanings depending on the context. For example, “take off” can mean removing something (e.g., “Take off your jacket”) or achieving success (e.g., “The project really took off”). Pay attention to how phrasal verbs are used in workplace conversations, emails, or meetings to understand their specific meanings.
Create Flashcards or Use Apps
Write down phrasal verbs with their meanings and example sentences on flashcards or use language-learning apps. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
Listen and Imitate
Pay attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs in professional settings. Watch business-related videos, listen to podcasts, or observe colleagues. Try to imitate their usage to improve your fluency and confidence.
Ask for Feedback
If you’re unsure about using a phrasal verb correctly, ask a colleague, teacher, or mentor for feedback. This will help you refine your understanding and avoid common mistakes.
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At The English Center, we specialize in teaching practical language skills like these, so you can confidently navigate meetings, negotiations, and workplace interactions. Ready to take your Business English to the next level? Join us and start mastering the language of success today!
“100 Phrasal Verbs for Business English” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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Do you have to give a presentation soon? Wondering how to improve your presentation skills fast? In this blog post we provide insights and tips that you can use right away to help you improve your presentation skills quick, fast, and in a hurry. Let’s get started!
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
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Presenting is a skill you can always refine, and with the right strategies, you can make noticeable improvements fast. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation next week or looking to really engage a small audience, this guide will show you how to improve your presentation skills fast. From structuring your slides to mastering body language and voice control, these actionable tips will help you deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression.
In this article, we’ll focus primarily on the delivery of your presentation. From the mental art of conciseness to what to do with your hands, a powerful delivery involves your whole body.
Your presentation draft is written, and your slides are organized. Now it’s time to edit—and be ruthless about it! Ever heard the saying, “Kill your darlings”? It refers to cutting out details you love but that don’t serve your message in a meaningful way. These extras can clutter your presentation and waste valuable time.
Use tools like Hemingway Editor to streamline your text, eliminate repetition, and cut out rambling. This free browser tool helps you simplify your language and focus on clarity. The goal is to be concise—clear and to the point. This not only benefits your audience but also makes it easier for you as the speaker, giving you less to memorize and worry about.
What makes a great speaker? Watch videos of effective speakers, from TED Talks to political speeches, and observe their techniques. Pay attention to:
Take notes and incorporate these observations into your own style. The goal isn’t to copy someone else but to refine your speaking persona. For example, if you admire a speaker’s use of pauses, practice adding intentional pauses to your delivery.
Now it’s time to rehearse. While practicing in front of a mirror can help you observe your body language, recording a video of yourself is even more effective. Watching the playback allows you to:
If you have a willing listener, practice in front of them. To take it up a notch, ask them to play the role of a difficult listener—arms crossed, blank expression, no nodding or smiling. This will help you prepare for disengaged or challenging audience members and teach you how to maintain composure.
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It’s presentation day, and the nerves have set in. That’s adrenaline, and it’s not a bad thing! Nervousness is just energy—channel it into enthusiasm and passion for your topic. Here are practical tips to calm your nerves and prepare for a confident performance.
Replace negative thoughts like “What if I mess up?” with affirmations like “I am prepared and capable” or “I’ve got this.” Positive self-talk can shift your mindset and reduce anxiety.
Arrive at the venue early to familiarize yourself with the space, test your equipment, and settle in. Knowing your environment reduces uncertainty and helps you feel more in control.
If possible, chat with a few audience members before your presentation. This can help you feel more connected and turn the audience into friendly faces rather than strangers.
Nervousness often leads to shallow breathing, which can make you feel more anxious. Practice deep breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. This calms your nerves and ensures your brain gets the oxygen it needs to think clearly.
If you have privacy, use it to stretch, move, and release tension. Shake out your hands, roll your shoulders, and loosen your jaw. Adopting power poses—like standing tall with your hands on your hips—can boost your confidence. Loosening up your body will also prepare you for effective body language as you step up to speak.
Pay attention to how you stand. Are you rocking on your feet or shifting your weight nervously? These habits can make you appear unsure. Instead, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and own the space. If appropriate, move deliberately around the stage to engage your audience. For example, step closer to emphasize a key point.
To connect with your audience, you need to believe in your message. Nervousness can make you overly focused on reciting memorized words, but this can come across as robotic. Instead, focus on feeling your message. Why does it matter? Why should your audience care? When you speak with genuine conviction, your audience will respond.
Hand gestures can enhance your delivery when used intentionally. For example:
Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these can signal nervousness or defensiveness.
Eye contact is essential for building trust and connection. Instead of scanning the room aimlessly, focus on making eye contact with individuals in different sections of the audience. This creates a sense of personal engagement.
Avoid relying too much on your slides, as this breaks your connection with the audience. If you find yourself looking at your slides often, it may be a sign that they’re overloaded with text.
Your voice is a powerful tool for conveying emotion and emphasis. Here’s how to use it effectively:
Filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “like” can distract from your message. Here’s how to minimize them:
Improving your presentation skills doesn’t have to take months of practice. By focusing on key elements like body language, voice control, and preparation, you can make a noticeable impact in a short amount of time. These strategies show you exactly how to improve your presentation skills fast, helping you deliver a confident and engaging performance.
Have a look at our post, Business Presentation Skills for some more great advice!
Remember, presenting is a skill that grows with practice, so apply these tips, refine your delivery, and watch your confidence soar with every presentation!
“How to Improve Your Presentation Skills Fast” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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Struggling with English pronunciation? This big guide to Pronunciation for ESL (English as a second language) discusses tricky English sounds such as the terrible “th,” the lazy schwa, and the very confusing “i” and “ee”. (Ship or sheep, you say?) Plus it outlines common mistakes by several language groups. Whether you’re aiming for just being understood or seeking the ultimate near-native sound, these tips will help.
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Pronunciation is the bridge between knowing a language and being understood when you speak that language. And while pronunciation is a skill that we are built to effortlessly acquire as children, for adults trying to speak a second language, good L2 pronunciation does not come easily.
Even L2 speakers who have an advanced vocabulary and perfect grammar will struggle and encounter frustration when their intended message does not arrive as intended. What did you say? Excuse me? Can you repeat that?
In business settings, the stakes are even higher. Mispronunciation can make you seem less competent or knowledgeable. That’s not fair, but it‘s a reality. For those who decide to tackle the issue of “better pronunciation,” which we can generally describe as accent reduction, the task is primarily one of creating new habits.
The simple truth about your English pronunciation is that it’s based on your first language: your L1. As you learn your L2, your L1 programming informs your L2 sound production. So if you are Dutch and you see a TH (a sound that does not exist in Dutch) you’ll substitute it for something you do know. How about a T? Or a D? “And dat’s how it’s done” ;-). If “r”s are trilled in your language, when you read an R, you will, in your mind, trill it. And when you speak it, a trilled “r” will be produced. And if your language does not contain a schwa, you will clearly pronounce all the vowels you see. Except that we don’t do that in English. 🙁
So the trick is to learn the rules of English pronunciation – what we say, how we say, and what we omit! And then practice this new way of speaking until it becomes a habit. If you do that very well, you might be called a near-native speaker. But don’t worry about that goal – in fact, please don’t lose all your accent! All you have to do is correct the things that are confusing your listeners. Remove the obstacles that keep them from understanding you. So what are some of the most common communication killers?
From vowels to consonants there’s a lot to think about when it comes to pronunciation. Let’s begin with the schwa.
The schwa (ə) is the most common sound in English. It’s that relaxed “uh” sound in unstressed syllables, like the first syllable of “about” (ə-BOUT) or the second syllable of “sofa” (SO-fə). Mastering the schwa will make your speech sound more natural and fluent.
The schwa is especially important in reducing the stress on less important words in a sentence. For example, in the phrase “I can do it,” the word “can” is often pronounced with a schwa: “I kən do it.”
Practice sentence: “I’m going to the cinema to watch a movie.” (Notice how “to” and “a” are reduced to the schwa sound.)
English has two “th” sounds that don’t exist in many languages:
These sounds are challenging for many learners because they require a specific tongue placement that might feel unnatural at first. However, with practice, they’ll become second nature.
Practice sentence: “This Thursday, I think I’ll breathe deeply and relax.” (This sentence includes both voiced and unvoiced “th” sounds.)
English has both short and long vowel sounds, and distinguishing between them is essential for clear communication. For example:
Mixing these up can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, saying “I saw a ship” instead of “I saw a sheep” could confuse your listener.
Another tricky pair involves the short “oo” sound (as in “book”) and the long “oo” sound (as in “moon”). These words can be especially confusing because they often look similar in spelling but are pronounced differently:
Practice sentences:
“The book is on the moon, and the food is in the school.” (This sentence contrasts short and long “oo” sounds.)
“The sheep is on the ship, eating chips.” (This sentence contrasts short and long vowels.)
“I beat the drum a bit before I left.” (This sentence contrasts “beat” and “bit.”)
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with the “i” sound in words like “ship”, “bit” and “sit”, try replacing the “i” with a schwa.
When adding “-ed” to regular verbs (e.g., “edit” → “edited” or “watch” → “watched”), the pronunciation changes based on the final sound of the verb. Similarly, the pronunciation of “-s” or “-es” in plurals depends on the final sound of the noun. This is just a summary, so check out our post all about pronouncing word endings for more!
Pronounce as “t”
When the verb ends in a voiceless sound: P, K, F, S, SH, CH, TH.
help → “helpt”
watch → “watcht”
Pronounce as “d”
When the verb ends in a voiced sound: B, G, V, Z, J, M, N, L, R, and vowels.
play → “playd”
call → “calld”
Pronounce as “əd” (extra syllable)
When the verb ends in T or D, an extra syllable is added.
want → “wantəd”
need → “needəd”
Pronounce as “s”
When the noun ends in a voiceless sound: P, K, F, TH (as in “thick”), SH.
cats → “cats”
books → “books”
cliffs → “cliffs”
Pronounce as “z”
When the noun ends in a voiced sound: B, D, V, TH (as in “this”), M, N, L, R, and vowels.
dogs → “dogz”
pens → “penz”
Pronounce as “əz” (extra syllable)
When a noun ends in S, Z, SH, CH, X, or J, the plural adds an extra syllable.
boxes → “boxəz”
judges → “judgəz”
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English learners often notice that British and American English sound quite different. While both are correct, here are three general differences to keep in mind:
Vowel sounds: In British English, some vowels sound longer or more rounded. For example, the word “bath” is pronounced more like “bah-th” in British English, while in American English, it sounds like “ba-th” (with a shorter “a” sound, like in “cat”).
R sounds: In both British and American English, initial “r”s are pronounced clearly, in the same way. However, the two diverge when we consider mid and final position “r”s. In American English, the “r” is pronounced clearly in all words, like in “car” or “hard.” In British English, the “r” is often silent unless it’s followed by a vowel. For example, “car” might sound more like “cah.” Note that the technical term for the expression of “r”s in English is “rhoticity“.
T sounds: In both British and American English initial “t” sounds are pronounced clearly and in the same manner. For example, “Ted and Tina have time for tea”. In American English, however, the middle “t” sound in words like “butter” will generally sound like “d” meaning that “butter” will sound like “budder”. So in British English we say “Betty Botter bought a bit of butter”, while in American we say “Beddy Bodder boughda bidda budder.”
Note that in Standard Southern British English all “t”s are clearly pronounced regardless of position. However, mid position “t”s in certain British English dialects such as Cockney are often dropped altogether, so that a “bottle of water” is pronounced as, “bo-’l a wa-ah”. This phenomenon, known as the glottal stop (ʔ), happens when airflow is interrupted in the vocal tract.
While the two dialects certainly have their differences, they actually have a lot in common. If your goal is to speak with a particular accent, then these differences must be observed. However, if your goal is simply to sound better in English, we suggest that you don’t worry too much about it. Just accept that your English may sound rather international, combining elements of both British and American English.
The first step to correcting your mistakes is identifying them. Here are just a few examples of common English pronunciation mistakes made by speakers of different languages.
Intonation refers to the rise and fall of your voice when speaking. It’s what makes English sound lively and engaging. For example:
Note that statements may rise to signal an incomplete thought, as in, “I was thinking of going to the mo-VIES… but it looks like it’s going to rain.”
English relies on intonation to carry meaning. Important verbs and nouns will often get the most stress. For example, “You ATE my CHOCOLATE!”
English is a stress-timed language, which means certain syllables in a word or sentence are emphasized more than others. For example:
Getting word stress right is crucial because incorrect stress can confuse listeners. For instance, stressing the wrong syllable in “record” can change its meaning:
Practice sentence: “I need to record a record of the meeting.” (Notice how the stress changes the meaning of the word “record.”)
How do we stress syllables in English? The syllable sounds longer, louder or higher in pitch.
Native speakers often link words together, which can make English sound fast and hard to follow. Here are some common features of connected speech:
Practice sentence: “Can you go on and open the door?” (Notice how “go on” and “and open” are linked together.)
Pro Tip: Don’t allow any spaces to happen between your words, except when you’re choosing to pause.
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Remember, even native English speakers have different accents. The goal isn’t to sound exactly like a native speaker but to be clearly understood. Keep practicing, stay confident, and most importantly – don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
At The English Center, we specialize in helping learners like you improve their pronunciation. Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, an interview, or just want to sound more natural, we’ve got you covered. Book a session today and take your English to the next level!
“Pronunciation for ESL ” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
You might also enjoy reading our article, “30 English Pronunciation Tips”
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The most common, essential sound in our unphonetic English language is the schwa /ə/. It’s a neutral, relaxed vowel sound that shows up in all kinds of words – big and small – boldly stealing proper vowel sounds and trading them for its lazy, undistinguished “uh” sound. In this article, we will teach you how to pronounce the schwa sound so that you sound natural when you speak English.
Say: sun, fun, run. The letter “u” in those words is the schwa /ə/ sound.
A real trickster, this sound loves pretending to be something else, and only shows its true face in “u” words like our target words: fun, sun, run.
The schwa is a common, primitive, basic, connecting sound (almost a grunt) that vibrates in your throat with no articulation by the tongue, teeth or lips. It’s not pretty, but it is absolutely necessary for proper English. Without it, your English will be over-pronounced and unnatural. The absence of a schwa means that your English will be quite accented (= have a strong accent.)
English needs a reduced sound to help speakers create the “low notes” in the “music” of our language.
English is a stress-timed language, and that means that we emphasize and de-emphasize words and word parts as we speak them. Unlike many languages, we don’t speak every syllable with the same length, volume or pitch. No, we make language music! This language music carries a great deal of meaning in English. It’s essential for being understood when you speak. And the simple little schwa provides a quick, easy sound that allows other (accented) syllables to stand out. It’s all about contrasting sounds. LOUD and quiet, BIG and small, SHORT and l-o-n-g!
There are two symbols associated with the “uh” sound: /ə/ and /ʌ/ – but in American English, there is no discernible, audible difference between them. They both sound like the “uh” in sun, run, fun. Please note that, for the sake of simplicity, we will use the /ə/ symbol to indicate all schwas in this article.
The schwa is often heard in unstressed syllables. A dictionary will show it is as /ə/ and it will sound just like the letter “u” (or “o” or “ou”) in these single syllable words: sun, run, fun, love, come, bun, thumb, tongue.
Repeat the words above and hold the “uh” /ə/ sound steady. Make the /ə/ rhyme in every word.
The words below are first spelled in the normal way. Then we spell them with CAPS (capital letters) to show the accented part of the word and the /ə/ to show the unaccented schwa. Try to say these words with a nice lazy schwa and a strong accent on the capitalized (stressed) syllable. Exaggerate the difference to begin to hear the language music.
Yes! Although the schwa is often unstressed, it can also be stressed, such as in the words below. In this list, we first show the normal spelling, and then we give a simplified phonetic version
When working on your schwa, remember to resist the desire to pronounce words as written. Look away from the spelling if necessary. Unlike languages such as Spanish, Russian and German, English word spelling will often lead you down the wrong path. Practice your schwa with the basic schwa phrases below that ONLY contain schwa-vowels.
Tip: The words with schwas are bolded.
Tip: Note how the schwa usually appears after the stressed syllables. We put them in upper case to help you learn the pattern.
Many people say this tiny word incorrectly. To say this word properly, say: “i/DEE/uh”. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is in the middle. The shape of the word is like a pyramid; the “high” point is in the middle. The final sound is the /ə/ schwa sound. This stress pattern is also heard in the words: Korea and Maria. Say, “My sister Maria from North Korea has a good idea.”
That’s easy to answer. English is not a phonetic language. That means that words are not always spoken as they are written. So if your spoken English “sound” is over or mis-pronounced, the tricky little schwa might be one of your problems.
For personalized help with the schwa and other pronunciation issues, contact The English Center. Our native speaker teachers offer a free intake appointment and in- person lessons in The Netherlands in Amsterdam, Den Haag and Amstelveen. We would love to help you gain a more natural, native sound so that you are always understood when you speak English. Call +31 20 823 0569.
Check out the Cambridge book, “Ship or Sheep.” It’s popular and pretty easy to follow. Be sure you get the audio, too!
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Our selected poem for Valentine’s Day 2025: “i carry your heart with me”
Love is timeless. Across centuries, poets and dreamers have attempted to capture its essence in words. But few have expressed love with such intimacy, brevity, simplicity, clarity and tenderness as E. E. Cummings in his iconic poem “i carry your heart with me.” More than a poem, “i carry your heart” is a love letter—a declaration that feels as fresh and authentic today as when it was published in 1952.
For all the reasons above, this poem is popular as a reading at weddings and has, no doubt, appeared in many valentine’s cards. In this post, we’ll briefly explore the life of this remarkable poet, his rule-breaking use of language, and why his most famous love poem remains an enduring message about the heart’s deepest promise.
Please note that unusual spacing, lack of upper case letters, etc. are characteristic of Cummings’ work. These elements are as integral to his story as his choice of words.
Table of contents
[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
ee cummings 1952
E. E. (Edward Estlin) Cummings was born in 1894 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, into a family that encouraged intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and individuality. His father was a Harvard professor in the fledgling department of sociology, as well as a Unitarian minister at a leading Boston Congregationalist Church.
As a child, Cummings wrote a poem a day, and at Harvard, he excelled in literature and began experimenting with language and form. His life took a dramatic turn during World War I, when he volunteered to drive an ambulance in France. (This wartime assignment was often chosen by those who considered themselves pacifists.) While there, he was arrested and interned in a French detention camp for several months due to his outspoken views on the war. He was only released due to his influential father’s entreaties. As a result of that internment, he wrote his first published first book, The Enormous Room. This experience deepened his belief in freedom and individuality—values that would define his poetry.
Want to read the book? You can download The Enormous Room for free at the Gutenberg Project.
After returning to the U.S., Cummings pursued a life of art, writing nearly 3,000 poems, painting, and traveling extensively. His work, often focused on love, nature, and human connection, broke every poetic rule and created a new kind of beauty. Cummings died in 1964.
E. E. Cummings was an inquisitive and playful free-thinker; his innovative, experimental style changed how we think about language and how it can be used to express emotion. How Cummings poetry breaks the rules to create intimacy and simplicity. For example:
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Cummings often merged words or created new expressions to evoke fresh emotions. His poems feel spontaneous and conversational, but every word is carefully chosen. His rejection of formal grammar allows his poetry to move freely, much like love itself.
This poem has become a cultural touchstone for weddings, love letters, and personal declarations. Its simplicity makes it universally accessible, while its emotional depth keeps readers coming back to it again and again. In a world full of fleeting connections, “i carry your heart with me” reminds us of the power of enduring love—a love that transcends time, space, and circumstance.
As you celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, let this poem inspire you. Share it with someone you love, write it in a card, or simply carry its words in your heart. Because love isn’t something we find. It’s something we carry—always.
For another dimension of the poem, experience it in song with Michael Hedges.
Copyright Credit: the poem, (more or less) as it appears on the Poetry Foundation page: “[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]” Copyright 1952, © 1980, 1991 by the Trustees for the E. E. Cummings Trust, from Complete Poems: 1904-1962 by E. E. Cummings, edited by George J. Firmage. Source: Complete Poems: 1904-1962 (Liveright Publishing Corporation, 1991)
EE Cummings Free Poetry Archive
Poetry Foundation: EE Cummings
Historic Image EE Cummings: Wikimedia Commons
Looking for a more Shakespearean flavor of romance? Check out our post, Romeo and Juliet.
Or read our post, Shakespeare’s Language of Love.
Author: “‘i carry your heart with me’ A poem for Valentine’s Day by E.E. Cummings,” Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, 2025, The English Center.
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This English-Dutch Vocabulary List B1-C1 presents 75 commonly used words at three CEFR levels (25 words per level): B1 Intermediate, B2 Upper Intermediate & C1 Advanced. Each word includes its part of speech, Dutch translation, and an example sentence to ensure clarity and usability.
If you are looking for a vocabulary book, we recommend the Cambridge In Use Series.
Are you a Nederlander who is interested in improving your English accent?
Do you want to read about some funny mistakes that Nederlanders make in English?
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Waarom Privé Bedrijfs Engels Training de Slimste Keuze is voor Nederlanders
Bedrijfs Engels (soms ook Zakelijk Engels genoemd) is de Engelse taal die wordt gebruikt in professionele omgevingen. Denk aan vergaderingen, e-mails, onderhandelingen en klantgesprekken. In Nederland spreken de meeste professionals al redelijk goed Engels (B1/B2-niveau), maar willen ze hun vaardigheden verfijnen om zelfverzekerd, professioneel en natuurlijk te klinken.
Maar hoe verbeter je deze vaardigheden zonder tijd te verspillen aan een standaardcursus? Het antwoord: gepersonaliseerde coaching die zich richt op wat jij écht nodig hebt.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Veel Nederlanders denken aan een groepscursus als ze hun Engels willen verbeteren. Maar als je al een degelijke basis hebt, is zo’n one-size-fits-all aanpak vaak te breed. Iedereen in de groep heeft een ander niveau, andere functie, en andere leerbehoeften. Wat jij écht nodig hebt, is een trainer die zich richt op jouw specifieke doelen.
Bekijk onze cursussen zakelijk Engels
Nederlanders staan bekend om hun sterke Engelse vaardigheden, maar veel professionals voelen zich onzeker over hun uitspraak, zakelijke toon en woordkeuze. Een goed niveau Engels is geen luxe; het is een must als je internationaal werkt of carrière wilt maken.
Maar hoe zorg je ervoor dat je echt vooruitgang boekt? Standaard groepscursussen leren je wat iedereen leert, maar privétraining richt zich op jouw persoonlijke doelen en uitdagingen.
Snel verbeteren met een spoedcursus
Bekijk onze locaties in Nederland
Elke professional heeft andere uitdagingen. Een privétrainer, altijd een native speaker, stemt de lesstof af op jouw specifieke behoeften.* Waarom uren verspillen aan algemene lessen als je kunt focussen op wat jij écht nodig hebt?
✔ Jouw doelen staan centraal – Wil je beter netwerken, presenteren of onderhandelen? Jouw trainer past zich aan. ✔ Persoonlijke feedback – Directe correcties helpen je sneller vooruit. ✔ Flexibiliteit – Je plant lessen wanneer het jou uitkomt. ✔ Geen steenkool Engels! – Werk aan een natuurlijkere uitspraak en vermijd “te Nederlands” klinken.
Met privé coaching boek je sneller en effectiever vooruitgang. Plan een vrijblijvende intake afspraak en ontdek hoe maatwerk training jouw carrière kan versterken!, omdat alle lessen zijn afgestemd op jouw werkveld, rol en persoonlijke uitdagingen.
Een-op-een training biedt een gerichte aanpak voor essentiële zakelijke vaardigheden:
1. Spreekvaardigheid en vloeiendheid
2. Uitspraak en accentreductie
3. Professionele e-mails en rapporten
4. Diplomatie en culturele nuances
Deze vaardigheden zijn essentieel in een internationale werkomgeving, en een privétrainer helpt je om ze doelgericht te ontwikkelen.
Een privétrainer is meer dan een leraar. Het is een mentor die je helpt groeien in je carrière. Denk aan een financial controller die technische jargon beheerst, maar moeite heeft met informeel Engels in gesprekken met collega’s. Of een manager die te direct klinkt en subtielere, diplomatieke taal moet leren.
Een-op-een coaching helpt je:
Privétraining met een native speaker zorgt ervoor dat je zelfverzekerd en professioneel communiceert. Veel bedrijven vergoeden deze trainingen omdat ze het cruciaal vinden dat hun medewerkers effectief in het Engels communiceren. Wij kunnen een voorstel opstellen dat je kunt delen met je HR-afdeling of manager. Bovendien zijn wij CEDEO-erkend, wat door sommige bedrijven als vereiste wordt gesteld.. Neem contact met ons op en start vandaag nog met jouw gepersonaliseerde training! ongeacht de situatie of gesprekspartner.
📞 Bel ons direct → +31 20 823 0569
Je Engels verbeteren is geen luxe, het is een noodzaak in de internationale zakenwereld. Een standaardcursus leert je wat iedereen leert—maar jij hebt unieke uitdagingen en doelen.
Met een privétrainer werk je gericht aan jouw Bedrijfs Engels vaardigheden, terwijl je profiteert van maatwerkondersteuning die direct aansluit bij je functie en werkcontext., zodat je sneller vooruitgang boekt en met vertrouwen communiceert. Wacht niet langer en investeer in je toekomst met maatwerk Bedrijfs Engels training! 🚀
Bekijk onze cursussen zakelijk Engels
Duizenden tevreden leerlingen gingen je sinds 2009 voor
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Bedrijfs Engels by Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center
20 Practical Tips With Example Phrases. Business English conversation skills are essential for building relationships, networking, and making a positive impression. Whether you’re greeting colleagues before a meeting or following up after, the right words can help you connect professionally and set the tone for success. Here is a mini-lesson with 20 easy-to-use Business English conversation tips, each with three example phrases you can start using right away.
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Business English conversation includes all the spoken interactions in the workplace, from high-stakes meetings and negotiations to casual chats with colleagues and clients. It covers formal and informal communication, helping professionals speak clearly, confidently, and appropriately in any business setting—from the boardroom to the break room.
Meetings aren’t just about agendas and decisions—they’re also about building relationships. What you say before and after the formal discussion can help you network, establish rapport, and leave a great impression. If you ever struggle with small talk in Business English, these tips will help you feel more confident and natural in professional conversations.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Your greeting sets the tone for the conversation, so it’s important to choose the right level of formality. “Hello” is the safest and most professional option, making it ideal for formal meetings or first-time encounters. “Hi” is slightly more relaxed but still perfectly professional for most business settings, especially with colleagues or familiar contacts. “Hey” is the most casual and is best reserved for close colleagues or informal office settings. If you’re unsure, start with “Hello”—you can always adjust your tone based on how the other person responds.
Alternatively, use “good morning / afternoon / evening.” These always work!
As a rule, you will want to avoid political news. Industry relevant news is a good, safe bet. (a good choice)
A sincere compliment is always appreciated!
Ask about their work-life balance.
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If you found these tips interesting, you might like to take this test. It’s all about common idioms in spoken English.
Mastering business English conversation isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it.
It’s about understanding the unspoken rules of workplace communication. In international settings, cultural differences can make small talk, greetings, and follow-ups more complex. What’s seen as friendly in one culture might feel too informal in another, and some professionals prefer to keep business and personal conversations completely separate! But you always need small talk, so if you find yourself in a unfamiliar context, you can try the following.
When you’re in a new workplace and/or a new culture, a good rule of thumb is to start with observation, and adjust your style based on the behavior of others. Pay attention to their language, tone, and level of formality, and let it guide your social style while still being your authentic self. That can be hard, but with practice, you can find the right compromise.
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“Business English Conversation Tips: 20 Practical Tips With Example Phrases”
Author: Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, 2025
